Coverage Gap Detection

Generally in wireless networks, such as fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G) new radio (NR) networks, and sixth generation (6G) networks, multiple radio towers or base stations including access nodes such as evolved node Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs) and next generation nodeBs (gNodeBs or gNBs) may be deployed to maximize coverage of the wireless network. With the evolution of radio access technologies (RATs) and the rapid expansion of cellular networks to accommodate increasing wireless data demand, radio coverage analysis and coverage planning remain crucial and complex tasks when deploying a wireless network. Despite a very careful coverage planning during the deployment phase, the existence of coverage holes during the operational phase is a common and almost unavoidable problem that operators place a high priority on addressing.

For the purpose of coverage planning, it is necessary to detect the coverage holes in a process called coverage hole detection, and then deploy a solution that remedies the coverage problem in the uncovered zones. A goal is to achieve a deployed solution that is cost-efficient and well-performing. To achieve such a solution, network operators need the precise information conveying the location and shape of the coverage holes. Obtaining this information is referred to as coverage hole prediction. The effectiveness of the deployed solution highly depends on the performance of the detection and the prediction. Traditionally, the cellular coverage is computed using sophisticated planning tools, and then optimized through drive tests. Manual coverage detection and prediction through drive tests has proven to be an inefficient and costly task.

Despite efforts to maximize coverage, coverage gaps exist in every wireless network. The coverage gaps may be due to many different factors. For example, the coverage gaps may be due to interfering geographic features, such as tall buildings, tunnels, or large bodies of water. The coverage gaps may further be due to factors such as congestion and interference, for example in dense urban areas. Additionally, coverage gaps may be due to insufficient radio equipment, which occurs frequently in remote or rural areas.

Accordingly, an objective of wireless network operators is to automatically identify these existing coverage gaps in order to provide sufficient information to improve the coverage of the wireless network. The use of wireless coverage complaints during voice call or data usage has proven ineffective as precise location information is seldom readily available. In order to reliably detect coverage holes in order to improve wireless network service, a method for efficiently collecting and analyzing accurate data is required.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems, methods, and processing nodes for identifying coverage gaps in wireless network. An exemplary method includes utilizing emergency call data to identify coverage gaps. The method includes identifying an initial location corresponding to the serving cell for an emergency call made by a wireless device and identifying an updated location for the emergency call made by the wireless device. The method further includes determining a distance between the initial location and the updated location, comparing the distance to a predetermined threshold, and locating a potential coverage gap when the distance meets the predetermined threshold.

Further embodiments include a system having a memory storing instructions and a processor accessing the memory and executing the instructions to perform multiple operations in order to use emergency call data to identify coverage gaps in a wireless network. The multiple operations include identifying an initial location corresponding to the serving cell for an emergency call made by a wireless device and identifying an updated location for the emergency call made by the wireless device. The operations additionally include determining a distance between the initial location and the updated location, comparing the distance to a predetermined threshold, and locating a potential coverage gap when the distance meets the predetermined threshold.

Additionally, embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executed by a processor to perform multiple operations. The operations include identifying an initial location corresponding to the serving cell and an updated location for an emergency call made by a wireless device. The operations further include determining a distance between the initial location and the updated location, comparing the distance to a predetermined threshold, and locating a potential coverage gap when the distance meets the predetermined threshold.

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems and methods for coverage gap detection utilizing emergency call data. Currently, for every emergency call in a wireless networks, multiple high accuracy locations are retrieved or pushed to a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC). This applies to multiple types of emergency calls including, but not limited to global system for mobile communication (GSM), voice over LTE (VoLTE), voice over new radio (VoNR) or voice over Wireless fidelity (VoWiFi). The GMLC contains functionality required to support location-based service (LBS). The GMLC may perform registration authorization and may interact with other network entities to derive location estimates. Access to the GMLC is reliable as the GMLC is required by existing regulations. The GMLC acquires wireless device locations and therefore enable LBS, including emergency services. The GMLC further may route the emergency call to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).

In accordance with embodiments provided herein, a coverage gap identification system interacts with the GMLC to utilize multiple locations that are logged for every emergency call. As emergency related data is required by regulatory agencies and is collected and stored for every emergency call, the proposed method is an efficient, accurate and low-cost method to automatically detect radio coverage gaps in an existing network. This method can tolerate any dynamic network changes, i.e. reports can be generated prior to and subsequent to network changes. First, an initial location is logged. This initial location may be, for example, the location of the serving cell or access node for the emergency call. The location of the serving cell may be identified, for example, by the latitude and longitude of the serving cell. The initial location is used by the GMLC to determine which public safety answering point (PSAP) handles the corresponding emergency call.

Additionally, an updated location is logged for each emergency call. The updated location is a precise location of the wireless device that initiated an emergency call. Depending on the type of radio technology (e.g. GSM, VOLTE or VoNR) that is used, and the mobile capability, control plane positioning procedure and/or user plane location may be involved to provide the precise location of the wireless device that initiated the emergency call. Various methods may be utilized to push this position to the GMLC. For example, position methods can include global positioning system (GPS), global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or device based hybrid (DBH) methods. DBH may be handled differently by different device manufacturers. In any case, DBH methods corroborate location information across multiple sources to increase accuracy.

Thus, in embodiments provided herein, the system and method for identifying coverage gaps can utilize the location data described and calculate a distance between the initial location (serving cell) and the most accurate updated location in a short time (e.g. 30 s) after an emergency initiated. After the distance between the initial location and the updated location are calculated, the distance is compared to a configurable threshold (e.g. seventy five kilometers). If multiple instances are found for the distance exceeding the threshold for a specific geodetic location within certain time period, then the specific location will be identified as a radio coverage hole or gap. The threshold may be adjusted based on the average radius or cell size for a specific market or area.

In addition to the systems and methods described herein, the operations for identifying coverage gaps may be implemented as computer-readable instructions or methods, and processing nodes on the network for executing the instructions or methods. The processing node may include a processor included in the access node or a processor included in any controller node in the wireless network that is coupled to the access node.

1 FIG. 100 300 100 101 102 104 170 110 110 102 101 108 104 106 170 a b depicts an exemplary environmentfor a coverage gap detection systemin accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The environmentmay include a communication network, a core network, an IMS networkand a radio access network (RAN), including at least access nodesand. The core networkis connected to the communication networkover communication linkand to the IMS networkover the communication link. The RANmay include other devices and additional access nodes.

100 120 115 116 120 125 110 135 110 125 135 a b The environmentalso includes wireless devicewhich may be an end-user wireless devices such as a smart phone and may operate within one or more coverage areas,. The wireless devicemay communicate over a wireless linkwith the access nodeor over a wireless linkwith the access node. The wireless linksandmay be or include, for example, a 5G NR and/or 4G LTE communication link.

120 115 116 140 140 140 However, the wireless device, despite being in two different coverage areasand, may be in a coverage gap. The coverage gapmay occur due to any number of factors, including, for example, congestion, interference, tall buildings, tunnels, or other obstructions. Although only one coverage gapis shown, multiple coverage gaps may exist in any coverage area.

100 300 102 300 102 The environmentmay further include a coverage gap detection system, which is illustrated as operating in conjunction with the core network. Alternatively, the coverage gap detection systemmay be an entirely discrete component, such as a processing node and may be incorporated in or in communication with the core network.

300 103 102 120 110 110 120 140 110 110 120 110 103 110 120 300 120 103 103 300 120 140 a b b b b b The coverage gap detection systemaccesses a GMLCwithin the core network. When making emergency calls, wireless deviceis directed to a particular access nodeor. For example, in the illustrated scenario, because the wireless deviceis in a coverage gap, its emergency call may be directed to the access nodeand thus the location of the access nodeis the initial location. Further, the wireless devicemay push its position or location data to the access node. The GMLCmay store both the initial location of the access nodeas well as the updated location of the wireless device. The coverage gap detection systemaccess the initial location and the updated location for the emergency call made by wireless devicefrom the GMLC. Based on the data collected from the GMLC, the coverage gap detection systemmay use stored algorithms to determine whether the wireless deviceis located in a coverage gap.

101 101 120 101 101 Communication networkcan be a wired and/or wireless communication network, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among various network elements, including combinations thereof, and can include a local area network a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Communication networkcan be capable of carrying data, for example, to support voice, push-to-talk, broadcast video, and data communications by wireless devices. Wireless network protocols can comprise MBMS, code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Fourth Generation broadband cellular (4G, LTE Advanced, etc.), and Fifth Generation mobile networks or wireless systems (5G, 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or 5G LTE). Wired network protocols that may be utilized by communication networkcomprise Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communication networkcan also comprise additional base stations, controller nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

102 102 101 120 102 103 The core networkincludes core network functions and elements. The core networkmay have an evolved packet core (EPC) or may be structured using a service-based architecture (SBA). The network functions and elements may be separated into user plane functions and control plane functions. In an SBA architecture, service-based interfaces may be utilized between control-plane functions, while user-plane functions connect over point-to-point link. The user plane function (UPF) accesses a data network, such as network, and performs operations such as packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, policy enforcement for the user plane, quality of service (QoS) handling, etc. The control plane functions may include, for example, a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM) function, an application function (AF), an access and mobility function (AMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), and a session management function (SMF). Additional or fewer control plane functions may also be included. The AMF receives connection and session related information from the wireless devicesand is responsible for handling connection and mobility management tasks. The core networkmay further include the GMLCstoring emergency call data.

104 104 The IMS networkis a standards-based architectural framework for delivering multimedia communications services such as voice, video and text messaging for mobile devices over IP networks. The IMS networkcan be decomposed into distinct application, control, and transport layers with standardized interfaces and may enable secure multimedia communications between diverse devices across diverse networks.

106 107 108 106 107 108 106 107 108 106 107 108 Communication links,, andcan use various communication media, such as air, space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagation path, including combinations thereof. Communication links,, andcan be wired or wireless and use various communication protocols. Communication links,, andcan be direct links or might include various equipment, intermediate components, systems, and networks, such as a cell site router, etc. Communication links,, andmay comprise many different signals sharing the same link.

170 110 110 170 102 120 170 102 120 170 102 120 a b The RANmay include various access network systems and devices such as access nodesand. The RANis disposed between the core networkand the end-user wireless devices. Components of the RANmay communicate directly with the core networkand others may communicate directly with the end user wireless devices. The RANmay provide services from the core networkto the end-user wireless device.

170 110 110 120 a b The RANincludes at least the access nodes or base stationsandsuch as an eNodeB or gNodeB communicating with the wireless device. It is understood that the disclosed technology may also be applied to communication between an end-user wireless device and other network resources, such as relay nodes, controller nodes, antennas, etc. Further, multiple access nodes may be utilized. For example, some wireless devices may communicate with an LTE eNodeB and others may communicate with an NR gNodeB.

110 110 110 110 a b a b Access nodesandcan be, for example, standard access nodes such as a macro-cell access node, a base transceiver station, a radio base station, an eNodeB device, an enhanced eNodeB device, a gNodeB in 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or the like. The gNBs may include, for example, centralized units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs). Access nodesandcan be configured to deploy one or more different carriers, utilizing one or more RATs. For example, a gNodeB may support NR and an eNodeB may provide LTE coverage. Any other combination of access nodes and carriers deployed therefrom may be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

110 110 110 110 a b a b The access nodesandcan comprise a processor and associated circuitry to execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions to perform operations such as those further described herein. Access nodesandcan retrieve and execute software from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive, memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local or remotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software, including combinations thereof.

120 120 170 101 120 120 The wireless devicemay include any wireless device included in a wireless network. Wireless devicemay be any device, system, combination of devices, or other such communication platform capable of communicating wirelessly with access networkusing one or more frequency bands and wireless carriers deployed therefrom and further capable of communicating with the network. Each of wireless devices, may be, for example, an enhanced mobile broadband device (eMBB), a mobile phone, a wireless phone, a wireless modem, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone, a voice over packet (VOP) phone, or a soft phone, an internet of things (IoT) device, as well as other types of devices or systems that can send and receive audio or data. The wireless devicemay be or include a high power wireless device or standard power wireless device. Other types of communication platforms are possible.

100 100 100 120 100 1 FIG. Environmentmay further include many components not specifically shown inincluding processing nodes, controller nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for communicating signals among various network elements. Environmentmay include one or more of a local area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Environmentmay be capable of communicating signals and carrying data, for example, to support voice, push-to-talk, broadcast video, and data communications by end-user wireless devices. Environmentmay include additional base stations, controller nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

100 170 102 Other network elements may be present in the environmentto facilitate communication but are omitted for clarity, such as public safety answering points (PSAPs), base stations, base station controllers, mobile switching centers, dispatch application processors, and location registers such as a home location register or visitor location register. Furthermore, other network elements that are omitted for clarity may be present to facilitate communication, such as additional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among the various network elements, e.g. between the access networkand the core network.

100 The methods, systems, devices, networks, access nodes, and equipment described herein may be implemented with, contain, or be executed by one or more computer systems and/or processing nodes. The methods described above may also be implemented as computer-readable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Many of the elements of communication environmentmay be, comprise, or include computers systems and/or processing nodes, including access nodes, controller nodes, and gateway nodes described herein.

2 FIG. 2 FIG. 200 300 120 140 115 110 125 140 140 140 115 140 140 a a b c d a d is a workflow diagramillustrating interaction of the coverage gap detection systemwith the above-described environment.illustrates the wireless devicepositioned in a coverage holeof a coverage areadeployed by access nodeover the wireless link. Other coverage holes,, andmay also exist within the coverage area. These coverage holes-may be due to many factors, including, but not limited to, tall buildings, tunnels, bodies of water, interference, congestion, or lack of wireless infrastructure.

120 210 120 140 110 110 135 110 120 110 140 110 a a b a b a b The wireless devicetriggers an emergency call at. However, because the wireless deviceis in the coverage hole, instead of going to the access node, the emergency call is routed to the access nodeover the wireless linkAccordingly, even though access nodeis closer to the wireless devicethan the access node, the coverage holecauses the call to be routed to the access node, potentially resulting in poor quality of service due to a weak radio signal and mis-routing to an incorrect PSAP.

110 202 120 110 120 212 212 212 b b The access node, which receives the emergency call, is defined as the initial location. Further, the wireless devicemay push its location to the access node. The location of the wireless deviceis defined as the updated location. The updated location is optimally calculated within about thirty seconds and the best update location received in thirty seconds may be implemented as the updated location. The updated locationcan typically be calculated with a high accuracy having a horizontal uncertainty under one hundred meters and even as little as ten meters using the GPS, GNSS, or DBH methods.

110 103 216 103 202 212 300 222 202 212 224 300 b The access nodeforwards the collected data to the GMLCat. The GMLCmay store the collected data including the data identifying the initial locationand the updated locationin a database. In order to identify coverage holes of gaps, the coverage, the coverage gap detection systemqueries the GMLC atand receives the initial locationand the updated locationat. Using this data, the coverage gap detection systemcan calculate a distance between the two locations, compare the distance to a threshold and determine whether a coverage gap exists based on the comparison. In response to determining a coverage gap exists, adjustments and modifications to the wireless network may be made by a carrier. These adjustments and modifications may include boosting signals, adding cell towers and equipment, and changing antenna patterns to improve connectivity in the coverage gap area.

3 FIG. 300 300 102 104 103 illustrates further details of a coverage gap detection system, which may be configured to perform the methods and operations disclosed herein to identify coverage gaps within a wireless network. In the disclosed embodiments, the coverage gap detection systemmay be integrated with the core network, the IMS network, or may be an entirely separate component, such as a processing node, capable of communicating with the core network and specifically the GMLC.

300 103 300 300 300 300 The coverage gap detection systemmay be configured to retrieve location data from the GMLC. The coverage gap detection systemmay identify the initial location and the updated location and determine a distance between the initial location and the updated location. The coverage gap detection systemmay further compare the distance to a predetermined threshold. If the distance meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold, the coverage gap detection systemmay determine that a potential coverage gap exists. To verify the existence of the coverage gap, the coverage gap detection systemmay determine a number of times the coverage gap is detected during a predetermined time period. The coverage gap detection system may further compare the number of times to another predetermined threshold and determine that coverage gap exists in the updated location when the threshold is met or exceeded.

300 305 305 310 315 315 310 315 315 320 330 340 340 340 340 To provide an appropriate coverage gap determination, the coverage gap detection systemincludes a processing system. Processing systemmay include a processorand a storage device or memory. Storage devicemay include a disk drive, a flash drive, a memory, or other storage device configured to store data and/or computer readable instructions or codes (e.g., software). The computer executable instructions or codes may be accessed and executed by processorto perform various methods disclosed herein. Software stored in storage devicemay include computer programs, firmware, or other form of machine-readable instructions, including an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or other type of software. For example, software stored in storage devicemay include one or more modules for performing various operations described herein. For example, location identification logicmay include instructions for retrieving and identifying an initial location and an updated location. Distance calculation logicincludes instructions for calculating the distance between the initial location and the updated location. Further, gap determination logicmay compare the calculated distance to a predetermined threshold. When the distance exceeds the threshold, the gap determination logicmay determine that a potential coverage gap exists. Further, the gap determination logicmay determine that a potential coverage gap has been detected multiple times at the updated location during a predetermined time period. Based on the number of times meeting another predetermined threshold, the gap determination logicmay verify the existence of a coverage gap at the updated location (i.e., the wireless device location).

320 120 110 110 103 325 300 300 325 325 300 a b Communication interfacemay include hardware components, such as network communication ports, circuitry, devices, routers, wires, antenna, transceivers, etc. These components may, for example, receive requests from the wireless device, the access nodesandand the GMLC. User interfacemay be configured to allow a user to provide input to the coverage gap detection systemand receive data or information from the coverage gap detection system. For example, a user may enter thresholds for distance and number of detection instances through the user interface. User interfacemay include hardware components, such as touch screens, buttons, displays, speakers, etc. The coverage gap detection systemmay further include other components such as a power management unit, a control interface unit, etc.

300 315 310 310 315 300 300 102 300 The coverage gap detection systemthus may utilize the memoryand the processorto perform multiple operations. For example, the processormay access stored instructions in the memoryto determine whether a potential coverage gap exists and to verify the existence of the potential coverage gap. The location of the coverage gap detection systemmay depend upon the network architecture. For example, in smaller networks, a single coverage gap detection systemmay be disposed for communication with the core network. However, in a larger network, multiple coverage gap detection systemsmay be required to cover the network.

4 FIG. 400 400 310 300 400 310 300 illustrates an exemplary methodfor coverage gap detection in accordance with embodiments described herein. Methodmay be performed by any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, the processorincluded in the coverage gap detection system. For discussion purposes, as an example, methodis described as being performed by the processorof the coverage gap detection system.

400 410 300 103 300 103 120 103 420 300 310 430 310 120 911 103 Methodbegins in step, when the coverage gap detection systemqueries the GMLC. For example, the coverage gap detection systemmay query a database of the GMLCfor location data collected during emergency calling. For example, an emergency call may originate from the wireless deviceand emergency call data may be collected by the GMLC. In step, the coverage gap detection systemusing processormay identify initial location data. The initial location data may be reflective of the cell tower assigned to handle the emergency call. In step, the processormay identify an updated location data reflective of the actual location of the wireless deviceduring the emergency call. The updated location may be the best updated location identified in a specific time period, e.g. thirty seconds. The “best” location is normally validated by the accuracy (e.g. horizontal uncertainty) and positioning method that was used to obtain the corresponding location. Per Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements, the updatedlocation should have horizontal accuracy under 100 m. With modern technology (e.g. GPS) the accuracy is normally around 15-30 m. Thus, the impacts on the gap detection by the horizontal accuracy of the best updated location can be neglected. Thus, the initial location and the updated location may be identified from stored emergency call records at the GMLC.

440 310 Finally, in step, the processoridentifies the existence of a coverage gap based on the identified locations. The existence of the coverage gap may be determined based on whether the distance between the initial location and the updated location meets or exceeds a configurable threshold. The threshold may be decided based on two factors. The first is the typical cell coverage range (radius) and the second is the possible maximum travel distance within the time period (e.g. 30 s). For the second factor, for example, assumed average highway driving speed is 100 km/h, a car with an emergency caller is moving with the average speed on highway, in 30 s from the time of call initiation, the maximum distance the car may move is around 833 m.

5 6 FIGS.and If multiple instances of distances exceeding the threshold are found for a specific geodetic location within certain time period, then the specific location may be considered as a radio coverage hole. The threshold may be adjusted based on the average radius of cell size for a specific market or area. Thus, as will be further described with respect to, identification of the gap is based on the distance between the two locations identified as well as the frequency with which the updated location is identified as being associated with a potential gap.

5 FIG. 500 500 310 300 500 310 300 depicts a further exemplary methodfor coverage gap detection in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Methodmay be performed by any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, the processorincluded in the coverage gap detection system. For discussion purposes, as an example, methodis described as being performed by the processorof the coverage gap detection system.

500 510 300 510 310 4 FIG. Methodbegins in step, when the coverage gap detection systemcompletes the identification of the initial and updated locations as described above with respect to. In step, the processorcalculates a distance between the initial location and the updated location. The following mathematical formula can be used to calculate the distance of two points with represented by longitude and latitude:

1 2 In the above-referenced formula (1), “d” is the distance between the two points reflective of the initial location and the updated location. The symbol “r” is equal to the radius of the earth, which is approximately 6381 kilometers. The symbols øand øare the latitudes of the initial location point and the updated location point in radians. Δø is the difference in latitudes between the two points in radians. Finally, Δλ is the difference in longitudes between the two points in radians.

510 310 520 510 530 530 310 550 530 540 After calculating the distance in step, the processorcompares the calculated distance to a predetermined distance threshold in step. The predetermined distance threshold may be a configurable threshold. Thus, the configurable threshold may be set based upon the network architecture and is configurable based on network characteristics. In the illustrated scenario, the threshold may be, for example, 70 kilometers. Thus, for example, if the calculated distance from stepis 75 kilometers, then the distance meets or exceeds the threshold in step. If the threshold is met in step, the processoridentifies a coverage gap in step. However, if the distance between the initial location and the updated location does not meet the threshold in step, then no gap is identified in step.

6 FIG. 600 600 310 300 400 310 300 depicts a further exemplary methodfor coverage gap detection in accordance with disclosed embodiments. Methodmay be performed by any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, the processorincluded in the coverage gap detection system. For discussion purposes, as an example, methodis described as being performed by the processorof the coverage gap detection system.

610 310 600 400 500 The method begins in step, when the processormonitors a number of times a gap is identified in the updated location within a predetermined time period and a location proximity range. The predetermined time period and location proximity range may be configurable. For example, the predetermined time period may be thirty seconds, five minutes, or twenty four hours or any other period of time appropriate for the network architecture. A proximity location range may be defined as 1 km radius appropriate for the network architecture. Thus, the methodmay both follow and occur simultaneously with the methodsand.

310 620 5 6 FIGS.and At the end of the predetermined time period, the processormay compare the number of times a potential gap is identified to a predetermined threshold in step. The predetermined threshold may also be configurable and may be, for example, three times, ten times, one hundred times, or some other number of times depending on the network architecture. The threshold number of times may be adjusted based on an average radius of cell size for a specific market or area. The identification of the potential gap occurs substantially as described above with respect to.

630 310 310 310 630 310 640 310 In step, the processormay determine that the threshold is met. For example, the processordetermines that the potential gap has been identified thirteen times during a predetermined twenty four hour period when the threshold number of times is ten times. Because thirteen times exceeds the threshold of ten times, the processordetermines that the threshold is met in step. Based on the fact that the threshold is met, the processorverifies the existence of a coverage gap in the updated location in step. Accordingly, the processorverifies the located potential coverage gap based on additional emergency call data

400 500 600 400 500 600 In some embodiments, methods,, andmay include additional steps or operations. Furthermore, the methods may include steps shown in each of the other methods. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the methods,,may be integrated in any useful manner and the steps may be performed in any useful sequence.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein may be performed under the control of a processing system executing computer-readable codes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium or communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any data storage device that can store data readable by a processing system, and may include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media, and media readable by a database, a computer, and various other network devices. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), erasable electrically programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic storage including magnetic tape and magnetic disk, and solid state storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium may include, for example, modulated signals transmitted through wired or wireless transmission paths.

Although the descriptions provided herein may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as 5G/NR mobile communications, the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations thereof may be implemented in, for and by other types of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Such radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies may include, for example and without limitation, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), Internet-of-Things (IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), fixed wireless internet, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications. Thus, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not all be within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.